Rev. Dn. Philip Mathew, the main speaker, began by speaking of how the orthodox faith views on departed souls. While the body and the soul are often used interchangeably; they are two separate entities, two separate beings that co-exist in the same space. What makes death so traumatic and so dauntingly final is that the body and the soul are separated, torn apart from each other forever. This is the physical separation, the physical death that the body and soul endure. There is, however, a more traumatic death that can be experienced: spiritual death, the soul being torn away from its Creator, God. As the soul sins, it is torn further and further from God. God offers physical death to humans as an act of mercy; it is his way of ensuring that the soul will not endure the trauma of being torn away from its Creator.

In addition to the teaching on death, Dn. Philip also discussed what happens to the soul, after death. The media portrays vivid pictures of the afterlife, including a fiery hell and an angelic heaven. According to the Orthodox faith, the souls of the dead in Sheol, an area where the souls wait for Jesus to return. Sheol contains two distinct areas: Paradise, which is the Garden of Eden, a land which offers a preview of what heaven will be like and Sheol, which is a dark, ominous area that reveals how torturous hell will be. Once the soul is placed in either Paradise or Sheol, nothing more can be done, the soul cannot redeem itself. However, God is the ultimate creator and if the church prays for a particular soul, God does have the power to move the soul from Sheol to Paradise. The journey of the soul from the world to Sheol is long and arduous. Each soul is judged for every sin and scrutinized for every deed; nothing goes unseen and ultimately, Christ is our judge. According to the early church fathers, this process takes 40 days which is why the church offers special prayers to the faithful departed 40 days after the death. God has also equipped each and every soul with a guardian angel. Angels were created as pure spirit; they lack the image and likeness of God, yet continue to serve God wholly for eternity. Not only does each soul have a guardian angel, every church, every altar and every family is given a guardian angel for protection, guidance and spiritual support.

Christ prophesized that the end of times will come like “a thief in the night”. The world will end when Christ returns, and it will be the final chapter of human history. Essentially, as the world began with God, it will also end with God. Contrary to popular belief, apocalypse is not the complete and utter destruction of the world; it is the revelation of something that was once hidden. It is also thought, that the book of Revelations, chronicles the fate of the human race, the complete demise and unfathomable horrors. This, however, was not the true purpose of Revelations; the book was written with careful caution. St. John wrote in unique symbols and codes that only the faithful would understand. His message was not to give up faith, despite what Christianity endures. Even if the world is trampled by a fiery beast or destroyed by a treacherous storm, we as Orthodox Christians must have faith that will remain ironclad, impermeable to the destruction that will ensue.

As our faith was revitalized and given new meaning and purpose, the retreat was closed with honest and clear-sighted advice regarding New Year’s Resolutions by Rev. Fr. Aju Mathew. Instead of making outlandish resolutions that we should make smaller attainable goals. This New Year should not be a year of distress or turmoil rather a year of newly found faith and growth.

Read the full text

Another Season of Christmas is fast approaching along with all the rigmaroles of the season: frenzied shopping, gift wrapping, guest listing and the anxiety to get the season completed without regret and remorse.

This Season is anxiously awaited by the whole country to check the telltale signs of economic recovery and to usher in the next economic expansion.

The few days after Thanksgiving till Christmas marks the shopping season for the whole year when most merchandise is purchased, consumed and discarded. The aftermath of the season is most often: increased debt and doubt about the declining relationship with kith and kin resulting in decreased mental health. To most people the season is a nightmare to begin with and a perennial problem that cannot be unburdened. Why Such desperation and frustration over the birth of Jesus- heralded by Angles to Mary, then to Joseph and to the shepherds- as “good tidings of great Joy” to all the people of the world? How this epoch making event-much awaited, prophesized-descend into this current state of decay? A brief look into this event is much warranted and merits attention at this season when millions of people in this affluent society- often proclaimed as the greatest ever in the history of mankind-goes hungry and penniless gnawing at the fabric of the society? Where is the notion of the savior when every greenback loudly proclaims the motto “in God we trust” and rejoices at the marvel of its currency and savors the goods and services it offers while paying mere lip service to the almighty savior.

A historical perspective of Christmas is well neigh impossible and mostly fraught with imperfections or inconsistencies as the bible offers no such clue to the celebration. The Christians themselves celebrate this Holy day in two different months- December and January- establishing the fact that the date was set later by decree rather than history. Early Mesopotamians-two thousand years before Christ- had celebrations to welcome the winter Solstice. The Scandinavians celebrated winter solstice in the month of December to usher in the ‘dawn of light’ in their life after months of darkness. The Birth of Jesus was celebrated in the Christian conclaves since 98 A.D. The Bishop of Rome, in 157 A.D celebrated the birth of Christ and in 380 A.D. the Bishop Julius Chose December 25th as the day of “cristes maesse’-Christ’s Mass which became Christmas.

The Birth of Jesus as the savior-savior for all mankind-not for Jews alone was well narrated in the Bible starting with Genesis. Genesis 49: 10: The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. The deathbed scenario of Jacob prophesizing the Kingdom of God- Sceptre appearing in Judea in the House of Judah-son of Jacob is worth mentioning. Numbers 24:17; I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. The Books of prophets are mired in the prophecies of the birth of the savior that gave a messianic fervor to the Jews and to surpass and surmount every persecution and subjugation with longing and hope. Numbers 18;8 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. Prophet Isaiah “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us- narrates the birth of Jesus in such exacting detail. All prophetic books offer similar visions of the savior-savior for the whole mankind.

Matthew 1;21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. The Name Jesus is Greek for the Hebrew name “Joshua’ or Jeshua a name first appears in Numbers 13;16; These are the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua. Moses thus changes the name of Hosea to Joshua. The name Joshua is a compilation of two names- YHWH- Jehovah and Hebrew ‘ Yesha’ meaning saved or delivered. In another form it is ‘to cry for help”. So the name Joshua means “ Jehovah is help” “or the deliverer or the savior. By a simple act of changing name Moses changed the Mosaic laws-ten commandments- to the law of Joshua- the law of Love offered for their salvation from privations, deprivations and destruction.

The angels appeared to Zacharias- the father of John the Baptist and delivered the message which he was seeking for ages Luke 1’13, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. Zacharias was doubtful and questioned the word of the Almighty-a priest inside the sanctum sanctorum- gave a penalty as he was ‘dumbfounded’ by the news became dumb for the entire period of Elisabeth’s pregnancy. A message that is worth pondering- who carry the holy vest of God and adorn the vestibule of the almighty God. The Angelic message again offers the same message to Mary, Luke 1:30; And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. In announcing the birth of savior to the shepherds Luke 2;10; And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. In these three angelic messages “Fear Not” is the theme. The nation of Israel was subjugated by foreign rule and lived in fear- a nation in fear. The fear was palpable; the yoke that subjugated the body doused the inner spirit and spread doom and gloom. Hope and salvation was anathema to the people- the people in darkness. They saw the light- the message of peace.

The current state of gloom and the prevailing notion of a country in decline sow seeds of discontent that permeates every fabric of the society. The people are looking for sign-any sign of hope- in a society where self-rules and trumps kindness and brotherhood. The Christmas season thus brings false joy by means of amassing materials – objects of desire. Consumerisms replaces Christianity as the new religion and greed its new currency. Objectification and fixation on materials of wealth has brought the faithful and the not so faithful to question the shifting paradigms of worship that accommodates the demands of the wealthy in ever increasing measure. Money is the new deity replacing Christ the savior from the manger of love- a Love that transcends time and proclaims the innocence of Child as the harbinger of a new dawn. The dawn that ushers in the rays of hope-the good tiding of Joy- that can dispel the darkness from the lives of humanity and bring eternal peace. The shopping frenzy boosts up dopamine levels and provide a heightened sense of joy- a joy that wears away easily and often seeks for more and more. Thus this perpetual need for boosting the self-image is an addiction that affects the same part of the brain as in any other addiction. This culture of replacing the baby Jesus, born in a manger, covered in swaddling clothes, and witnessed by the shepherds and the sheep and adored by the angels is the theme of Christmas. “Fear Not” as the message delivered by the Angel to the world in darkness- the Angelic herald is the same message that must transcend our hearts to receive the sheer simple pure and everlasting Joy of Christmas -that is the Angelic Herald for this nation in darkness.

Launches old age pension scheme for Adoor Diocese, first of its kind
Visual media classes for Sunday School students introduced
Equal rights for women to greatly benefit those based outside Kerala
Model home for the aged planned
Mickey Mouse-like cartoon characters to be adopted to teach teachings of saints to kids

MUSCAT : HG Dr Zachariah Mar Aprem (45), Metropolitan of Adoor-Kadampanaadu Diocese, was in Muscat recently for the Harvest and Parish Day celebrations of Muscat Mar Gregorios Orthodox Maha Edavaka as its chief celebrant. The Metropolitan also visited Orthodox churches in Sohar and Salalah during his two-week visit before he returned to Kerala.

Mar Aprem (Fr Sabu Kuriakose) a Registrar at Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam is also a fierce orator and a gifted singer. His Grace also serves as Assistant to Malankara Metropolitan, assisting the Catholicos in day-to-day administrative affairs. During his visit, Mar Aprem spent time to discuss various aspects about the vision of his new Diocese, old age pension scheme for his Diocese, the lingering feud of Kolencherry church and other issues in a frank interview.

Excerpts:

Nature of work as Assistant to Malankara Metropolitan:

I had been the Principal Secretary to the Catholicos Emeritus Baselios Marthoma Didymus I all through his reigning years. With this vast administrative experience, I am presently working as Assistant to the Malankara Metropolitan. It is a tight schedule since I am also heading a new diocese. The work as Assistant to HH has more executive powers. Since a Catholicose-designate is not being elected, I am also looking after as the assistant. This was based on the consent of all the senior Metropolitans and also since I was Principal Secretary to the Catholicos Emeritus.

I am stationed at the Kottayam seminary twice a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Under an existing system, I can definitely say that my heading a new diocese is the most challenging task, than the work as Assistant.

The task of carving 7 new dioceses was a herculean task. Another challenge is the Malankara Association meeting in March 2012 when there will be a reshuffle of the managing committee members in the ratio of 1:2. This meeting will elect members to the next Malankara Managing Committee and the new Committee will replace the present one that completes its tenure next year. However, there will be no increase from the number of Managing Committee’s 129 elected members and 30 nominees of Malankara Metropolitan. The 2012 Malankara Association gains utmost importance considering the fact that the Centenary of the establishment of the Catholicate also falls in 2012.

On Vision of Adoor-Kadampanaadu diocese:

Earlier, Adoor was under Pathanapuram diocese and it was a collective decision of placing Adoor under a new diocese. The intention was that the faithful should receive more Episcopal presence, attention and supervision. It is a small diocese but with a big responsibility and I am determined to build it up as a challenge. I have to be accessible to all sections of the diocese. I have had several rare visits to the residences of the diocese members which were warm and affectionate. During such a visit in Adoor, a 74-year-old bed-ridden paralysed lady kissed my palm with tears said: “This is for the first time I am meeting and touching a Thirumeni.”

I have also targeted the youth and children. For an hour every month we interact with Sunday School children and teach them new songs. We had the Angels’ meet at Pathanapuram for 600 Sunday School children which was highly successful. All the five spiritual wings of the diocese are active in my diocese.

Shalabangal, a magazine like Balarama (children’s weekly comics-digest) was released exclusively for Sunday School children. Shalabangal, is an informative tri-monthly colour magazine containing Biblical stories, messages from metropolitans, general knowledge and other moral stories. The magazine is priced at Rs 10.

On old age pension scheme:

I am making all efforts to consolidate my diocese. During the first meeting with the vicars, I decided to visit all the 48 churches having around 8,000 families. As I step into the second year of heading the new diocese, I am confident of taking it to further heights. During my visits, I could notice how the old and infirm were neglected by their kith and kin. They need company and solace at this age. The diocese which formed a committee came out with the idea of the old age pension scheme. Presently, we are distributing Rs 750 per month to about 110 old and infirm persons in the diocese. Out of Rs 750, Rs 500 is given from diocese level and the remaining at parish level. I am personally sponsoring at least 25 persons for the scheme. We intend to increase the amount if we are able to find more sponsors.

Future plans of the Diocese:

We want to do more for the weaker and neglected upper class. Later we plan to have an old age home in a 1 1/2 acre plot with all modern amenities like clinic, reading room, chapel which will be under the supervision of a vicar. It will be a standard and model one and not a conventional one. The inmates must have a family feeling at their place of stay and we have to give prominence to this.Our immediate priority will be to develop Epiphanios Centre (HQ Adoor-Kadampanaadu diocese) and to launch more income generating schemes. Also there are plans to have a self supporting system and future plans are to purchase 4-5 acre of rubber plantations in the Patanapuram-Koodal area.

Every month we have a monthly meeting of priests and all issues are discussed threadbare and their views taken into confidence.

Introduction of visual media:

In October we introduced visual media classes for Sunday school students of class 8-12 in my diocese. On a projector the students were explained the meaning of sacraments and liturgical aspects in English and Malayalam. It is purely faith oriented. During the Catholicate Centenary celebrations we have plans to have bring all sacraments under visual media. Fr John Samuel and Fr Ashwin Fernandes from UK will be specially looking into this to implement the project.

We are planning introduce Mickey Mouse-like cartoon characters to teach teachings of saints to kids so that they understand them quickly. This will be for students up to third standard which will also develop their vision better.

On Kolencherry church standoff:

The court had granted the right of administration of the church to the Orthodox faction, but the government is yet to implement the order, and is said to be looking to settle the matter in an amicable manner. A sub-committee of the State Assembly has conducted six rounds of talks with the representatives of both the factions, but is yet to find a way out. It is purely the inaction of the State government in implementing the court order in the Kolenchery issue.

The government’s insincerity with regard to the case has been exposed.It is really unfortunate the talks are dragging on even after six rounds. There is no hope for reconciliation efforts between the two groups. The state government as everyone knows has failed to execute the court order which allows us the ownership of the two churches. The present UDF government must be determined to implement decisions of the court and they have a constitutional responsibility. This is not merely a church issue at all and cannot be taken from that angle. It was a mutual empowerment and a decision of the executive, legislature, and the judiciary. A just decision has to be taken before it is too late. If the next generation has to have faith in a system, we have to agree to this. We need to have a law abiding government where by all the sections of the society will follow a collective will. Had the court order being implemented, it would have been a reflection on the chief minister and his leadership abilities. We need to have stern, determined leaders who can act boldly and not being coward to solve the issue.

The Chief Minister has assured both the factions that the government would settle the scuffle over the ownership of St Peters and Paul’s Church amicably. Both factions had raised allegations against each other during the recent agitation after the verdict. Though the High Court’s Kerala Mediation Centre intervened in the issue, the issue has remained unsettled. The Chief Minister has to act but there are other compulsions.

On women’s emancipation:

For the first time women are getting full membership in parish assembly, which is a revolutionary thing to happen in our Church. A good decision on the revision of the Constitution has been made, whereby women folk will be entering the mainstream of parish administration. The proposals of the Rule Committee that women have the right to vote at the general body and to take part in its activity have to be welcomed. This will bring in changes also at the administrative level involving the participation of all. Let me tell you, here power is not the only criteria but it will definitely have a reflection on all aspects. It will of great help to women members based outside Kerala Diocese due to their forward thinking and ability to take initiatives.

He attained his heavenly abode at 7.00 am as he breathed his last at the Kolencherry Medical Mission Hospital after a prolonged illness resulting from renal failure. The Bishop was admitted to Kolencherry hospital in September this year for undergoing further treatment.

His Grace was the second Bishop of the Delhi Diocese ever since it was formed in 1975. In 1993, because of kidney failure, he had to undergo kidney transplantation. Despite his inclement health, on account of the operation, he performed his duties as Bishop of Delhi in an efficient and able manner. Blessed with a melodious voice, his renditions of Orthodox worship songs recorded in CDs and cassettes have been popularly received.

His Grace was born on May 8, 1939 in the Kanianthra family in Kerala and was the sixth son of late K.C. Thomas, Arumapettiyil. Even though Kanianthra family had 13 priests before his time, His Grace Job Mar Philoxenos was the first to become a Bishop.

Born in an illustrious family, Thirumeni was the grand nephew of late H.H. Baselios Mar Geevarghese II, the Catholicos of the Malankara Orthodox church. His mother was the daughter of Bava Thirumeni’s brother Late Mr. Philipose.

His Grace got his primary education at St. John’s School, Mepral (Kerala), and PMV School, Peringara. At the age of 16, he joined as a novice in “Mount Tabor Dayara” founded by His Grace Thoma Mar Divanasios at Pathanapuram. He was ordained as a Deacon on May 26, 1956 by his grand uncle, H.H. Baselios Mar Geevarghese II himself.

In 1962 he was ordained as a full deacon at Parumala and on May 11, 1972 as a priest. He continued with his studies and acquired Masters degree in English Literature from St. Joseph’s College Trichy. In 1969, he was appointed as a lecturer at St. Stephen’s college, Pathanapuram, administered by the Dayara. He steadily rose up in ranks to head the Department of English and later became the Vice-Principal of the College.

This celebate priest was appointed as Vicar of St. John’s Orthodox Church, Mepral (Kerala) from 1974 onwards. On week days, he taught in College. Every Saturday he made it a habit to visit Mepral and conduct the Holy Qurbana at his home parish. He stayed in a room specially constructed for him at Padinjarae Veetil. He took an active interest in the welfare of his congregation.

In 1989, the Malankara Association elected him as a Bishop of the Church. He was then installed as a Ramban on March 31, 1990 at St. Peters & St. Pauls Orthodox Church, Parumala. Consequently, he was ordained a Bishop of the Malankara Orthodox Church (also known as Indian Orthodox Church) on April 30, 1991 at Parumala Church. Delhi Diocese was his first assignment where he was appointed as Assistant Metropolitan. He took full charge of the Diocese after his predecessor Late His Grace Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios attained heavenly abode on November 24, 1996.

He was elevated as Metropolitan on August 27, 2002 at Devalokam, Kottayam (Kerala) by Catholicos His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews II. His Sundhroneeso (Enthronment) as metropolitan of Delhi Diocese was held on December 29, 2002 at St Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral, Hauz Khas at Delhi.

His tenure as Metropolitan of Delhi Diocese witnessed a meteoric rise in the growth of the Church in Northern India. The Church established many schools and hospitals during this time and five churches were opened in the National Capital and its vicinity.
His most significant contribution was to make the memory of his predecessor H.G Paulos Mar Gregorios immortal by organizing the Paulos Mar Gregorios Memorial Award. The recipients of the award have been eminent national and international personalities including His Holiness Dalai Lama, social activist Baba Amte, Father of White revolution V Kurien, Arya Vaidya Shala Kottakal founder PK Warrier, and statesman Karan Singh.

Thirumeni gave lead and mentorship to the Shantigram Social Service Project in District Mandavar, Haryana where the Church has established a school and medical clinic. Recently, under his guidance a self-help group for the womenfolk of Mandavar village was inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit at a grand function organized at Thyagraja Stadium early this year.
Giving wings to the dream of Late H.G. Paulos Mar Gregorios, he started construction of a Retreat Centre at Aravalli Hills in District Sohna, Haryana, which now is popularly known as Shanti Giri Ashram. The first medical mission of the Orthodox Church in the heart of the Capital was established at Aaya Nagar on April 2, 2001 under Thirumeni’s leadership.

Thirumeni was a revolutionary in many aspects and this was evident from several decisions he took during his tenure. His vision to cater to the needs of the outside Kerala youngsters and families led him to give shape to the Indian Orthodox Diaspora Movement, which later emerged as a full-fledged spiritual organization, besides the Sunday School, MGOCSM, Martha Mariam Samajam, AMOSS and Orthodox Christian Youth Movement.

History was again created when Thirumeni brought women in the Church to the forefront giving approval for inducting young women of the Church into the Youth League. To encourage their participation in Sunday worship, Thirumeni issued an order allowing girls to read the Old Testament reading before the start of Qurbana.

Thirumeni was ahead of his times in every sense. He was instrumental in opening the Internet as a means to connect to millions of Orthodox believers across the world in an attempt to clear their doubts on issues of faith, Under his cheerful spirit and joyful face he always hid the pain and sorrow of his illness. Even in testing times, he conveyed his views on raging social and moral issues such as homosexuality, attack on Christians and need for world peace. As a strenuous worker of peace and unity among all religions, all Christian denominations and other religions condole the loss of a great soul. Together with them, each member of the Indian Orthodox Church join in this solemn moment.

Press release-Delhi Diocese

Send a Thanks giving Day gift to IOH

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” Ephesians 6; 18

The month of November brings joy, happiness and harmony as the Church celebrates the great remembrance of the saint –The Gregorios of Parumala-mostly remembered as Parumala Thirumeni

The Catholic church celebrates ‘All saints Day’ on November 1st and has declared patron saints for ills, illnesses, afflictions and all human follies and frailties neatly assembled in alphabetical order for one’s perusal. For The Malankara Orthodox Christians it is a deserving tribute to our venerated Church to have a saint of our own-lived among us, preached to us, prayed for us- and exalted himself to the throne of heaven by following the path of Christ. The Commemoration and celebration of the Thirumen’s life is a worldwide affair as the Christian Diaspora has extended to the far corners of the world. We believe in celebrations and ritualistic exhortations without understanding the underlying meaning of the saint’s life and mission which was exemplified in the short period of fifty two years on this earthly abode.

Who is a saint?

How can one attain sainthood- some of the questions that prop up in people’s mind when they take a pilgrimage to the saint’s earthly abode-Parumala? The Pilgrims ritualistically enjoy the festivities and purchase a few merchandise in memory of that pursuit. The term “saint’ is widely accepted as a Christian term and the usage common in the lingua franca of the Christian community and has received wider acceptance. The dictionary meaning of “saint” refers to any believer who is “in Christ”, and in whom Christ dwells, whether in heaven or in earth (2Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 3:14-19; 2Corinthians 13:5) In Orthodox and Catholic teachings, all Christians in heaven are considered to be saints, but some are considered to be worthy of higher honor, emulation, or veneration. In the Christian Bible, only one person is expressly called a saint: “They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the Lord.” (Psalms 106:16-18) The apostle Paul declared himself to be “less than the least of all saints” in Ephesians 3:8

The life history of Parumala Thirumeni is worth exploring and in the light of the increasing materialistic view point of the Christian faithful and the deepening schism in the Orthodox Church is the reference point of our departure from the values of the past. The steadfast adherence to the spiritual way of life involving, constant prayer, meditation, fasting and the simple life of an ascetic enabled Thirumeni to be the true disciple of Jesus Christ. His famous verse “Prayer brings truth, religious faith, honesty and respect among the people” shows his conviction of the power of prayer as the strong weapon against evil.

The Life history of this saint begins in the priestly family of “Chathuruthy” in the village of Mulunthuruthy near Cochin on 15th June 1848. He was baptized by the name Geevarghese. He studied theology and Syriac at a very young age and showed exceptional talent in biblical scholarship. The destiny of such a life is very well revealed when he was entrusted with the title of deacon at a young age of ten. His early life resembles that of Prophet Daniel whom the Lord called to his side at a younger age and bestowed on him the power of the spirit. The amazing power of the Holy Spirit was evident in the young Thirumeni as he was led to a life of challenges and severe hardships of earthly lore which he surmounted with ease and dignity. The young deacon was made a priest at the tender age of eighteen, begins to show the clear signs of a spiritual life- remarkably peculiar and distinct from other priests and spiritual leaders of the times- elevated him to the spiritual position of Ramban. His mastery of the language Syriac led him to be the interpreter for the Patriarch of Antioch at the Mulunthuruthy Synod in June and July of 1876. He was appointed as the private secretary of the patriarch who found the young Ramban talented and spiritually superior.

Cor-Episcopos Geevarghese Ramban was soon elevated to the order of metropolitan at a young age of thirty-one. His fame spread and people adored him and called him “Kochu Thirumeni”- young bishop. The Young Thirumeni traveled to the Holy land and visited the monasteries, shrines and wrote about it the first travel journal in the vernacular Malayalam. Thirumeni saw the importance of English education and started schools in Thumpamon and Thiruvalla and insisted on establishing more. Under his tutelage the The Parumala seminary flourished and grew in prominence. Thirumeni extolled the virtues of educating women and the downtrodden-the latter for witnessing the true faith in Christ and bringing them under the Church. It begs description to see an institution of higher learning established in Parumala by the Hindu community not by the ardent advocates of Thirumeni’s Piety- defies logic- says volumes about the lack of vision of our Church elders and leaders. He was a humble and simple human being and never sought any recognition, seats of admiration or adoration during his lifetime. He was well respected by the faithful and the natives of other faith as a spiritual human being and many sought his prayer for the malaise of this world. It was Thirumeni who chased the bad spirits ‘ yakshi” from the palm trees of Parumala which is a powerful testimony of his power over evil, lends a new dimension to his power. Thirumeni’s daily routine reveals a life of prayer and severe fasting which wasted his body. He took everything in his strides and bore the fruit of the cross with dignity, moral and spiritual superiority. The saint Vattasserill Thirumeni received his spiritual blessing and character training from Thirumeni. This training gave him the fortitude to fight untruth with unflinching courage. The frugal way of life and extended periods of fasting took a heavy toll on Thirumeni’s life and the glorious, blessed spiritual soul of this saint separated from his earthly body on November 2nd, 1902.

People from all walks of life, throng to his death bed – the final resting place of a great soul- to pray and seek spiritual blessings and intercession for their worldly sustenance and feel energized by such a venture. A pilgrimage to Parumala is a must for the faithful and the multitude of people who throng to his deathbed to pray and renew the faith bear witness to the amazing power of the saint’s power of intercession.

An extraordinary life- from a humble and simple beginning- to an unparalleled ending within the shortest period of fifty-two years is simply astounding. This spiritual leader stands as a testament to the power of prayer and fasting, the weapon against the power of darkness. The St. Thomas Christians of today extol his virtues and celebrates the memory in the hope of extending harmony and brotherly love to all human beings. Let this celebration be marked by the peace of brotherly love and not marred by dissension and the quest for power, supremacy and worldly possessions.

Send a Thanks giving Day gift to IOH

Thanks to The Almighty, St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral, Hauz Khas, New Delhi has been renovated and is ready for rededication. His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II will be the Chief Celebrant for the consecration ceremony on Friday, 21st October 2011 at 5.30 p.m. Metropolitans H.G. Dr. Youhanon Mar Demetrios, H.G. Joshua Mar Nichodemos and His Grace Dr. Zachariah Mar Aprem will be the co-celebrants.

Going down memory lane many of you will remember this church as the first congregation of Orthodox Christians in the Delhi. Since the year 1952 from the day of parish formation till date, it has covered various milestones. It has undoubtedly been the mother of all parishes across Delhi and NCR and has been able to live up to the expectations of the objectives set by the visionaries – both priests and laity who worked hard for its development. It is seen today as not only a place of worship, but contributing to the Society through educational institutions like St. Paul’s Senior Secondary School, St. Paul’s Junior School and a Healthcare centre for the needy at St. Mary’s Medical Centre, Aya Nagar.

Words are not enough to thank those who have contributed immensely to this parish since its inception. The moment of rededication is right time to bring together our thoughts, dreams and challenges to continue working towards the people of God and the society as a whole to keep the value of ‘True service’ alive through our Cathedral.

A walk through of how our Cathedral has evolved over these years:

Parish Formed on 19 December 1952

Foundation stone laid on 19 May 1964 by His Holiness Moran Mar Ignatius Yacoob III
Consecrated on 6,7 April 1968 by His Grace Mathews Mar Athanasios

The Parish Hall Inaugurated on 30 April 1968 by His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia

Declared Cathedral – On 11 July 1976 by H.G. Dr. Paulos Mar Gregorios, Metropolitan, Delhi

Kurisumthotti – Foundation stone laid on 19 July 1999 by H.G Job Mar Philoxenos, Metropolitan, Delhi

Consecrated on 2 May 2000 by H.G Job Mar Philoxenos, Metropolitan, Delhi in the presence of H.G. Kuriakose Mar Clemis, Metropolitan, Sultan Bathery Diocese.

St. Paul’s Chapel - Consecrated on 7 April 2000 by H.G Job Mar Philoxenos, Metropolitan, Delhi

Golden Jubilee Celebrations – Inaugurated on 18 December 2001 by H.H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, Catholicos and the Malankara Metropolitan, in the presence of H.B. Thomas Mar Themotheos, the Catholicos Designate.

St.George Chapel, Aya Nagar – Consecrated on 25 April 2002 by H.G Job Mar Philoxenos, Metropolitan, Delhi

Golden Jubilee Celebrations – Concluded on 29 December 2002 by H.H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, the Catholicos and the Malankara Metropolitan, in the presence of H.B. Thomas Mar Themotheos, the Catholicos Designate. H.G Job Mar Philoxenos, Metropolitan, Delhi

Give thanks to the Lord….

Samuel George
St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral
Hauz Khas, New Delhi

Send a Thanks giving Day gift to IOH

Fr Jacob, an Orthodox priest with the St Mary’s Church, Edamon, near Punalur, has been teaching various martial arts – Karate, Kungfu and Kick Boxing – at many centres in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. When City Express caught up with him at his dojo opposite the AKG Centre, the priest was busy teaching ‘horse stance’ to his students.

Amazed at the sight of a priest teaching Karate, we could not hold back from asking whether teaching martial arts suited a clergy man. He evaded the question as deftly as he would evade a face punch. Later, sensing the connotations of the question, he returned to it with a graceful smile, one that suits a priest more than the martial artist. “If you can cultivate tranquility and spiritual guidance through martial arts, why hesitate?” he says, bringing a more serious look on his face.

Jacob John was inducted to a martial arts school run by his cousin as a young boy. “Only after getting trained in the martial arts did I join the seminary,” he remembers. Earning a black belt under Renshi R Gopakumar, he created his own martial arts school ‘Dragon Karate and Kobudo Academy.’

The man doesn’t shy away from conducting Karate classes dressed in cassocks, his clerical attire. And he has no remorse for taking Karate so close to his heart, although at times he receives criticism from some sections of his community who say he was embarrassing them by teaching martial arts.
Fr Jacob has a different take on the issue.

“My tryst with spirituality began after practising Karate,” he says. According to him, this indifference to martial arises out of ignorance.

“Whether as a priest or a master, my duty is the same, to guide people. A true spiritual mentor should make use of all the available options he has. I don’t hesitate to introduce my students to new vistas of learning by providing them basic knowledge of Reiki, Pranic Healing and Yoga,” he says.

For this purpose, he started the Chaithanya Healing and Training Centre at Kottarakkara.

He had also conducted a month-long yoga camp for the public in Punalur during the month of Karkidakom. The revered season is suitable for treatment and physical maintenance, he says. Apart from that, all official functions of his academy begin by lighting the lamp, which is a thoroughly Indian tradition. Fr Jacob is adept in blending the local culture with his Christian beliefs in the same manner he incorporated Kalaripayattu to his syllabus.

Source: The New Indian Express dtd Saturday 27 Aug. 2011

Send a Thanks giving Day gift to IOH

This is a great victory for our Church, especially during the time of Our Bava Thirumeni’s fasting at Kolencherry for implementing our 1934 Constitution in Kolencherry Church, and is the fruit of prayer and fasting done by our beloved Bava Thirumeni.

History

St Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church, Aurangabad was established in 2005 and in the year 2005 itself, the Church have been registered as a trust in the Assistant Charitable Commissioner Office, Aurangabad, under the Bombay Public Trust Act 1950 bearing registration No. E 1079 dated 17-12-2005.
It should be noted that most of the parishes outside Kerala Dioceses are registered as Trusts according to the local situations. Only by doing this, the Parishes are accepted and recognized by the respective state or Government. As the law of the land, this type of registration was allowed by the Holy Episcopal Synod of the Church.

Since all the parishes are bound by the rules and regulations laid in the Constitution of 1934, the same constitution should be reproduced and submitted before the Honorable Charity Commissioner. It is allowed to prepare and formulate according local situations but cannot change any rules and regulations laid in the Constitution of 1934. That means even though the Parish is registered as a public Trust, the Parish should governed and ruled by the articles and traditions of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.

Unfortunately, the Scheme submitted by St.Marys Orthodox Syrian Church, Aurangabad before the Honorable Charity Commissioner in the year 2005 was with many contradictions with the Constitution of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Some of the articles in the trust deed No.E 1079 are entirely against the rules and regulations laid in the constitution of 1934. According to the registered deed, the power of general management of the Parish was vested in Parish Managing Committee and not with the General Body. The Management committee have the right to expel any of the parish member, without the permission of General body, Diocesan Metropolitan and even the Malankara Metropolitan. The Trust law empowered them to sell or lease any of the property of the Church either by the Auction or by private contract. This trust deed made many administrative and operational constrains in almost all the parishes outside Kerala.

With the view to overcome this administrative crisis and operational constrains the General Body meeting of the Parish on 19th April, 2009, unanimously passed the resolution amending the clauses of the existing rules and regulations of the Trust deed E. 1079. The said General Body proposed amendment, with signature of Diocesan Metropolitan and copy of the resolution were submitted to the Charity Commissioner office. But some of the Parishioners were against this amendment and they gave appeal against the decision of the General Body and of Diocesan Metropolitan, before the Charity Commissioner. Thus the litigations started.

Court Verdit

By the grace of God, and I believe, this verdict mainly because prayer and fasting of Our Bava, His Holiness Baselius Marthoma Paulose II. We got this verdict, completely in favour of our Church.

Main points of the verdict are fallowing:-

1.St.Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church, Aurangabad should be governed as per 1934 Constitution of Malankara Orthodox Church, which was approved by Honorable Supreme Court of India.

2. The problematic clauses of Trust Deed become invalid and the Charity Commission will produce a new Scheme as per the 1934 Constitution and the back bone of this Scheme will be the 1934 constitution.

Fr.Thomas Philipose is the Asst. Vicar of Aurangabad St Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church

Here are some symptoms that could help you identify juvenile depression.

· Being very irritable or angry or start to respond negatively on anything and every thing.
· Becoming unenergetic and not responding to things where it could be fun for them.
· Feeling of not wanted or detected. (This happens usually when compared.)
· Not being able to concentrate and as a result fairing miserably at studies.
· Growth considered improper ie. Gaining and losing weight at a fast pace.
· Obesity in children.
· Crying without reason or anything and everything making them cry.
· Frequent illness.
· Feeling of “I can’t” in life.
· Mood swings. (Suicidal thoughts: take them to a qualified psychotherapist right away)

Tips to overcome juvenile depression.

· Talk to your child and make him/her understand that everyone faces depression.
· Allow the child to express.(If he/she wants to cry; let him/her cry but be with them to support their feelings with encouraging words and action).
· Make the child face the truth. We often try to cover their painful/hurtful feelings. (esp. getting the child a prize from the shop and gifting when failing to get a prize in the competition).
· Develop confidence of the child in you. This helps them to open-up everything to you.
· Do not over empathize with the child, rather empathize to lead the child back to recovery.
· Make the child understand various other options to excel and be better.
· Schedule time for the child to eat, play and sleep. Do not encourage the child to be obese.
· Develop a hobby of child’s interest.
· Seek opinions from them for decisions at home. This is helpful in implanting a feeling of being wanted and / or getting them mature to situations.

In spite of trying out all these if the child do not respond take him/her to a qualified psychotherapist who could assist your effort in leading the child out of situational depression.

Every child is unique and let him/her be what he/she is and excel in their field of interest. Bring the smile back on the child’s face.

Dr. Kurien S. Thomas
Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor, Wellness Therapist
Effective Living Clinic
B-3/19, 0:1, Sector 3, Vashi,
Navi Mumbai 400703
www.effectivelivingclinic.com